Colliery Management (Volume 1); With Illustrations (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1876. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... xv.-wagcws. the question of wagon supply has already been referred to as one of the points to be considered in taking a lease; but it has such a vital bearing on all collieries connected with the Caledonian Railway, and, though in less degree, on collieries in connection with other lines, . that it demands more particular notice. I.--The Need Of Wagons.. Sixteen or eighteen years ago, the increasing inability of the Caledonian Railway Company to supply an adequate number of coal trucks began to be seriously felt, and necessity compelled coal masters to supply themselves from other sources. The result was, that this Railway Company altogether ceased to provide wagons for the ordinary house and steam coal traffic. Hence, when anyone leased a field in connection with their system, he was told "that unless he had a locomotive coal, and a contract for it, he need not hope to obtain a supply of C. R. wagons; that he must, therefore, provide himself in some other way, and that to the extent of a truck for every ton of daily output, or 300 trucks for 300 tons--a statement which my own experience verified. About five years ago some of the Railway Companies, and especially the Caledonian, announced their intention of buying up all the traders' wagons at a valuation; and, times being dull, many were only too glad to make a bargain, while others would not sell unless the Co. gave a guarantee for an adequate supply, which they refused to do, and hence a few large firms retained their trucks. Immediately afterwards the price of coal advanced, and rose to an unprecedented height. Everybody was anxious to rush coal into the market, and those who had sold their wagons could not get a supply; and, as it happened, very much loss was sustained by many firms. Hence the demand for pri...